Safe Boating Week
Monday 5 October- Sunday 11 October 2026
Project goals
National Safe Boating Week 2026 will focus on the life-saving role of lifejackets and the importance of carrying reliable equipment to raise the alarm in an emergency.
The campaign will encourage boaters to take two simple steps before heading out on the water:
Wear and maintain your lifejacket
Wearing a lifejacket significantly improves your chance of survival if you ens up in the water.
Accidents can happen quickly, and there is rarely time to put a lifejacket on once you are in trouble.
A lifejacket only works if you are wearing it.
Choose a lifejacket that meets the relevant Australian standards, suits your activity and fits properly.
Make lifejacket wear part of your normal boating routine.
Check your lifejacket regularly and make sure inflatable lifejackets are serviced as required by an accredited service agent.
Be Able to Raise the Alarm - Carry a Distress Beacon
A lifejacket can help keep you afloat, but you also need a reliable way to call for help.
Carry a distress beacon, such as an EPIRB or PLB, so rescue agencies can be alerted in an emergency.
Solo boaters should consider carrying a PLB attached to their lifejacket, in addition to any EPIRB stored on board.
Make sure everyone on board knows what safety equipment is carried and how to use it.
Project lead
ANZSBEG
Key messages
National Safe Boating Week is an initiative of the Australia & New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group, promoting safer boating across Australia and New Zealand.
In 2026, the campaign focuses on one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on the water: wearing the right lifejacket and making sure it is properly maintained.
Every time you head out on the water, you have a responsibility to help keep yourself, your passengers and others safe — and to return home safely to the people who care about you.
This year’s campaign will highlight:
how to choose the right lifejacket for your boating activity
how to put on your lifejacket correctly and ensure it fits securely
how to inspect and maintain inflatable lifejackets
why scheduled servicing of inflatable lifejackets is essential
how regular wear helps make lifejacket use normal
the safety improvements introduced through AS4758:2022, including clearer labelling, crotch straps or thigh restraints, and prescribed service intervals.
Get involved by posting a photo of yourself wearing a lifejacket at your favourite boating spot. Use the hashtags #SafeBoating and #ANZSBEG, and tag your local marine safety authority.